Some select members of the Imo State Bloggers Association yesterday 25th September 2023 met with the Standard bearer of the Young Progressive Party YPP in the forthcoming Imo State Governorship Election slated to hold November 11, 2023.

Dr. Kemdi Chino Opara harped on the need to have a Governor that has the interest of the State at heart. He decried constant demolition of legacies of out gone Governments by the Government of the day. According to him, "This is Imo State funds for crying out loud. You should work on what your predecessor started because Government is a continuum. In my Government, every Good policy of the previous administration will be continued". 

He used to occasion to dispel news going round that YPP has joined PDP and he is being sponsored by the incumbent Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma. According to him, "I am a man with integrity, I have gone far in my campaigns and I have what it takes to unseat the current Governor. He can't possibly sponsor me because I don't lack funds to push my campaigns. Also, YPP is intact with the current leadership". 

He urged the media to report based on facts and not emotion. He promised under his watch as the Governor of Imo state, there would be funds mapped out for the media that will help and ease the stress of Information dissemination in the State. He promised there will be freedom of press where no one will be gagged for his or her information.

He further urged Imolites to vote for him as he has the right credentials than every other candidates jostling for the Imo Guber seat.

Vote YPP,

Vote Dr. Kemdi Chino Opara for a better Imo State. 

..... Describes him as the Choosen one.

Yesterday 6th August 2023, An award of Honor was bestowed on Mr. Obinna Bright Ekwebelem the Governorship Candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP in recognition and appreciation for his immense contributions & Meritorious services to God and Humanity.

The award was given by the Anglican Youth Fellowship of Diocese of Mbaise, which was held at St. Andrew’s Ang. Church Obizi, Obizi Archdeaconry during their Annual Youth Diocesan Conference.

Presenting the award, the Bishop of Mbaise Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chamberlain C. Ogunedo Msc. (JP), through Ven. A. C. Otuonye the Diocesan Youth Chaplain described Ekwebelem as an upward mobile young man who supports the Church. 

Receiving the award, Mr. Eluwa Ifeanyi  Henry the Caretaker Committee Chairman of SDP who represented Mr. Obinna Bright Ekwebelem alongside friends and well-wishers thanked the Youths for honoring him and pledged to do more as he likes supporting the church whenever he is called upon.

Th Youths of the Diocese on their own described Ekwebelem as the chosen one for the Imo Guber seat that is vacant. According to the Youth President, Bro. Tochi Nwogu “We have seen who to support. He is a new breed technocrat with no political stain. We also do not want recycled politicians that have taken us for granted”.

The highpoint of the event was the decoration and handing over the award to the recipient and Governor in waiting, Mr. Ekwebelem.

The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee probing employment racketeering and gross mismanagement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) by agencies of the Federal Government has directed that directed that the Nigerian Army, Navy, Airforce and the Police as well the intelligence agencies, among others, to appear before it on Wednesday. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, who handed down the directive during a hearing of the Ad hoc Committee on Tuesday expressed displeasure over their absence even though they were duly invited. 

According to Hon. Gagdi "Let me say this to all agencies we have invited, I think we need to read their names clearly here. They are the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, the Nigerian Communication Commission, the Nigerian Post Services, the Nigerian frequency management Council, Galaxy backbone, National Identity management Commission, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Fire Service, Nigerian Police Force, Defence Intelligence Agency, State Security Service, national Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Navy must appear tomorrow since they have failed to appear today. This is the ruling of the committee,"

Also appearing at the hearing, the Accountant General of the Federation has said her office is working hard to fish out ghost workers who existed in the system before the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). She also denied allegations that her office was engaging in the enrolment of ghost workers for personal gains as her office was working hard to address problems with the IPPIS.

According to her “As of today we have 640 MDAs registered on the IPPIS, enrolled on the IPPIS, because there are some that are not on the IPPIS like all the security agencies, federal government owned enterprises that generate revenue, they are not on IPPIS. Then self-funding agencies are not on IPPIS. Some parastatals that have different arrangements for the payment of their salaries like those that are receiving first line transfers like the National Assembly are not on the IPPIS and so many others like that. So if we put the number of those outside IPPIS, it may get to over 900. Except if an Act of the National Assembly makes it compulsory that all government agencies must be on IPPIS.”

In a related development, Director of the IPPIS, Emma Deko, accused some universities of sending more names than required to be captured on the system.

The Senate, on Wednesday, set up a committee to dialogue with protesting unions who broke down the National Assembly Complex first gate. The protesters in their hundreds had marched from the Unity Fountain in Abuja to the NASS Complex in demonstration against the “anti-poor” people policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration. Upon their arrival at the NASS Complex, the protesters pull down the first gate of the Complex and marched to the premises.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio immediately entered into a closed-door session with the lawmakers and upon his emergence from the meeting said the red chamber has set up a three-man committee to meet with the protesters at the National Assembly. The committee was led by Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, from Borno South Senatorial District. The Senate also resolved that it will in the shortest possible time meet with the NLC and TUC leadership to find an amicable resolution to the current impasse.

Ndume alongside two other lawmakers — Senator Ireti Kingibe and Senator Tony Nwonye — later met with the protesters at the National Assembly. The Senators were seen engaging Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero; and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Festus Osifo. The Organised Labour including the NLC, the TUC and their affiliate unions, today, kicked off a protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and other states of the Federation including Lagos, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo. 

Tinubu had removed subsidy on petrol during his epic inauguration speech on May 29, 2023, with a litre of the petrol jumping from N184 to over N620 and food prices and general inflation galloping at an unprecedented rate.

West African military chiefs were to meet Wednesday to frame a response to the crisis in Niger, a week after the fragile country was shaken by a coup that alarmed its neighbours and prompted France, the former colonial power, to evacuate its citizens.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders on Sunday imposed trade and financial sanctions and gave the coup leaders a week to reinstate Niger’s democratically elected president or face potential use of force. ECOWAS military chiefs were to launch a three-day meeting in the Nigerian capital Abuja, coinciding with a visit to Niamey by a delegation led by former Nigerian president Abdulsalami Abubakar, sources said.

The current chair of ECOWAS is Nigeria, West Africa’s military and economic superpower. It has vowed to take a firm line against coups that have proliferated across the region since 2020, most of them the outcome of a bloody jihadist insurgency. “We are ready, and as soon as we receive the order to intervene, we will do so,” Nigeria’s chief of staff Christopher Musa said in an interview on RFI Hausa on Monday.

But junta-ruled Mali and Burkina Faso warned that any military intervention in their neighbour would be tantamount to a “declaration of war” against them. General Salifou Mody, one of the Nigerien coup leaders, arrived with a delegation in the Malian capital Bamakou on Wednesday, a senior Nigerien official and a Malian security official told AFP. They did not give further details.

Mody is a former army chief of staff who was fired by President Mohamed Bazoum in April.

Presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, says he will support the strengthening of social media regulations if appointed Minister of Information and Culture by President Bola Tinubu. Alake, from Ekiti State, is one of the 28 ministerial nominees of Tinubu for screening. He appeared before the red chamber on the third consecutive day (Wednesday) of the exercise.

Alake was a Commissioner of Information and Strategy in Lagos State when Tinubu was governor of the state from May 1999 to May 2007. Tinubu previously appointed Alake as his spokesman and later as a ministerial nominee.

Responding to questions from lawmakers on Wednesday, Alake advocated value reorientation from the family level to the national level. “I will support serious attitudinal change if I find myself in office responsible to attitudinal change,” he told the lawmakers. “On social media regulation, there is some concern, not just here but all over the world but particularly in our environment about the pernicious nature of the social media or the effect.”

Alake said there are the positive and negative sides of the social media, however, “the downside of social media is that it is detrimental to a good and decent society”. “What I would support is the strengthening of regulations,” the nominee from Ekiti State noted.

A ministerial nominee from Kwara State, Lateef Fagbemi, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) cannot continue to disobey court orders. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who spoke on Wednesday when he was screened by the Senate in Abuja, pledged to work with the National Assembly and the judiciary “on certain parameters” if appointed the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice by President Bola Tinubu.

Fielding questions from the lawmakers on disobedience to court orders by federal agencies, Fagbemi, who was accompanied to the screening exercise by over 10 senior advocates, said the DSS and the EFCC should conduct investigation before arrest and not arrest before investigation. He said, “The major areas where we have these disobedience of court orders, with main respect, are between these agencies. My advice will be that in matters of law, the AGF should be involved.

“DSS cannot be an island onto itself. EFCC cannot continue to behave as if there is no law. There is law and if you want to do investigation, you do investigation before inviting the accused person. It is not a question of inviting him and say you have caught a big fish and at the end of the day you say you are investigating.”

On his reaction if a President flouts court orders, the senior lawyer said, “I think with respect, you will not find the President flouting any order because the Attorney General will be made a party to.” “The mere fact an order is made does not mean that you should obey it immediately. You’ll think about it, do I appeal? If I am not appealing what do I do next? If I am not appealing, of course, I cannot subject the order of court to any order of validity.

“By Section 287, it has to be obeyed, not only by the government but by every authority and persons in Nigeria,” he said.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday, elected former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as the National Chairman of the party.

The party’s NEC also elected former Senate spokesman, Ajibola Basiru, as National Secretary.

The two party officials were elected today at the 12th NEC meeting of the party held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

Senegal said Thursday that it will participate if the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decides to intervene militarily in Niger following last week’s coup. Foreign Minister Aissata Tall Sall told reporters on Thursday that there had been one “coup too many” in the region and cited Senegal’s international commitments.

“Senegalese soldiers, for all these reasons, will go there,” she said.

Regional bloc ECOWAS has threatened potential use of force if the junta does not restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum by Sunday. Niger is the fourth member of the bloc to undergo a putsch since 2020.

Speaking during a government press briefing in the capital Dakar, Tall Sall said Senegal was obligated to go along with ECOWAS’s decisions. But she added, “Senegal’s conviction is that these coups must be stopped — that’s why we are going there”. She also raised the question as to why ECOWAS would send troops to Niger, when it had not done so following coups in Mali, Guinea or Burkina Faso.

“To give a simple answer, because it is one coup too many”, she said.

By John Mayaki 

A comical situation has arose on Twitter! Remember former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has been appointed as a minister and was required to relocate from Rivers State to Abuja. As news of his impending move spread, Nigerians couldn’t resist injecting humor into the situation - don’t mind these Twitter boys. 

As the word got out, citizens jokingly warned the former Governor not to set foot in Abuja without his beloved band, “Sensational Bamidele”. It seemed that the band had become an inseparable part of Wike’s public appearances, and Nigerians couldn’t fathom the thought of the governor’s new chapter in Abuja without their electrifying performances.

“Governor Wike, if you dare step into Abuja without your band, you might find yourself dancing alone at events!” some folks humorously teased on Twitter. Others playfully suggested that the band’s presence was crucial to keep the ex-governor’s energy levels up during those high-profile political gatherings.

Memes and social media posts flooded the internet, showcasing funny scenarios of ex-Governor Wike arriving in Abuja without Sensational Bamidele. There were images of him attempting to dance to the beats of silence or mimicking the band’s tunes with exaggerated dance moves. People’s imaginations ran wild with entertaining scenarios that tickled the nation’s funny bone.

The lighthearted banter even reached the governor’s ears, and he couldn’t help but chuckle at the amusing remarks from his fellow citizens. “Looks like I better start packing my bags, and of course, my band,” he quipped in response to the playful warnings.

In the midst of political tensions and serious discussions, the comic relief brought by Nigerians’ witty remarks provided a breath of fresh air. It reminded everyone that even in the world of politics, there was room for humor and laughter.

As the day of his relocation approached, Governor Wike should make sure to reassure Nigerians that he wouldn’t dare leave Sensational Bamidele behind. “Abuja, here we come, with the band in tow!” he should declared with a smile.

And so, the tale of Governor Wike and Sensational Bamidele continued, with laughter and amusement accompanying their journey to the nation’s capital. As the band geared up for their new adventures in Abuja, Nigerians eagerly awaited the next chapter of this humorous politics and governance of Wike, where music, dance, and comedy blended seamlessly in the world of Nigerian politics.

Wike’s Band? Yes. You don’t know them? 

In the vibrant city of Port Harcourt, there existed a band unlike any other - “Sensational Bamidele” - who had a very peculiar gig. Their mission was to entertain none other than the ex-governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and they took this task with great enthusiasm.

Whenever the former Governor Wike graced television screens, attended events, or embarked on political programs, especially commissioning of gigantic projects, Sensational Bamidele was right there, ready to bring their electrifying performances to hype up the atmosphere. Their secret was simple - they paid close attention to the governor’s moods and preferences, crafting lyrics and tunes that perfectly matched his energy.

What made Sensational Bamidele truly exceptional was their ability to improvise on the spot. They never rehearsed with the governor but used their quick wits to adapt to his reactions and tailor their performances accordingly. This unique approach not only delighted the governor but also left the audience in awe, eagerly awaiting the band’s next appearance.

As word spread about the band’s infectious energy and their knack for brightening up any event, the anticipation grew. Sensational Bamidele became synonymous with unity and joy in the political landscape, reminding everyone that even amidst tensions and crises, humor and lightheartedness could prevail.

Their music, dance, and infectious spirit had become an integral part of the political scene, creating lasting memories wherever they went in Rivers State. 

And so, the legend of Sensational Bamidele, the band that brought music and laughter to the world of politics, continued to unfold in Port Harcourt and beyond. As they accompanied ex-Governor Nyesom Wike on his political journey to Abuja, it is only hoped that Abuja residents and politicians would feel the sensation and merriment! 

Lets make welcome to former Governor Wike, as he packs his bags and band to Abuja!

 …As Prince Marshall Okaforanyanwu suspended

By Chimdi Eme

The Social Democratic Party, SDP national working committee has suspended the Imo State Chairman, Prince Marshall Okaforanyanwu and put in place a Caretaker State Working Committee, SWC headed by Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry.

In a letter dated 17th July 2023, which was signed by the National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye, the National leadership of the party suspended Prince Okaforanyanwu because of anti-party allegations.

The party, according to the letter has also set up a panel to investigate the allegations against the former Chairman, adding that the suspension subsists until further notice.

Addressing members of the Caretaker executives at the party secretariat in Owerri on Thursday, the new State Chairman, Mr Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry charged the SWC members to be up and doing and not show laxity.

He urged them to assist the party conquer the state, especially by attracting membership of young persons at the grassroots.

Eluwa informed the SWC members that the national leadership of the party had carefully constituted the new State executives to have about ninety percent of young people.

He promised to carry everyone along including all old and new members who are willing to work for the progress of the party.

Making a brief appearance at the inaugural meeting, Imo State SDP gubernatorial candidate, Hon Obinna Bright Ekwebelem said the Caretaker Committee is God’s making to make a new thing in Imo.

He informed them that to whom much is given much is expected, adding that they should work to showcase themselves as leaders of their locality.

Ekwebelem urged them to sacrifice and work to make the SDP formidable by building grassroots structure, stressing that national leadership is looking up to then to make the party viable.

He promised to put in his best and do whatever it will take to make the party strong.

In his own remarks, the Deputy Governorship candidate, Barr Nlem Uchenna urged all the newly constituted SWC members to be steadfast and committed, stressing that in the game of politics, “it is not over until it is all over”.

Efforts to reach the suspended former Chairman, Prince Okaforanyanwu for comments proved abortive at press time.

Conscious of the fact that food prices are skyrocketing everywhere, every day, Imo state inclusive, Mr. Obinna Bright Ekwebelem the Candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP, says he will put Agriculture on the front burner.

Speaking to Newsmen in Owerri the State Capital, the Business mogul cum capitalist said that if voted into office, he will prioritize Agriculture and make food available in Imo through aggressive planting of Economic trees.

According to him, “There is hunger in the land and our people are not finding it funny. Hunger can cause a whole lot of social vices. So in my time, I will make Agriculture a priority where we would produce what we eat and not depend on other states”.

He further stressed the need on planting Economic trees like Improved seedlings of Ogbono, Dwalf Palm trees, Dwalf Coconut; yellow and green, Orange, Pawpaw and planting of Avacado Pear, Sweet apple, Good banana and plaintain suckers etc.q

Also, reintroducing the rearing of Native cows and Goats in every community, towns and villages. Fish farming will also be made available.

This according to him, would fetch Billions of Naira to the State.

Join the moving train today. Onboard, let's ride!

✍️OBINNA BRIGHT EKWEBELEM MEDIA OFFICE.

25.06.2023

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu and his National Commissioners on Wednesday, met with members of the various transport unions which the commission had engaged during the 2023 General Elections. 

The meeting which had as its main objective, the review of the conduct of the 2023 General Elections, was also attended by electoral officers.

According to the Commission, a review of the conduct of the engaged transport unions vis-a vis the implementation of the MOU signed with unions on the provision of logistics, is sacrosanct.

Also, the meeting took stock of how the electoral officers, who served as field supervisors carried out their assignments.

President Bola Tinubu says Nigerians cannot afford to be refugees in other countries, adding that his green-back passport is still what he has. The President called on Nigerians to be patriotic and have confidence in the country as the whole nation goes through “baby steps of faith” for the country to arrive at a “positive destination”.

“Nigeria will see positive changes as we move along. Let’s go through these baby steps of faith,” Tinubu said on Thursday when he visited the palace of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in Abeokuta, the state capital. “Let the confidence return to Nigeria. This country is the only country we have. I know what it means to be a refugee in another country. And my green-back passport is what I still have now.”

Tinubu, who said his visit was a homecoming, saluted the leaders for delivering Ogun State for him in the last election despite the ‘no money, no fuel’ controversy that dotted the February 25, 2023 poll.

He said having achieved ‘Emi lo kan’, he was glad to be back in Ogun State. He thereafter sought the prayers of the monarchs to steer the ship of Nigeria aright and to deliver on all promises made.

“To the chairman of our party, I am grateful. At least, we delivered despite the hardship of no money, no fuel. Ah! I credit you. Thank you.

“The hope is recharged. It is here. That hope will never fail. I am here still making that pledge of the campaign promise,” the President stated. Tinubu made his famous “Emi lokan (It is my turn)” speech on June 2, 2022 in Abeokuta days before the presidential primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “It is the turn of Yoruba, it is my turn,” he said while addressing party delegates at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Plans to commence the defence by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC) on Monday recorded a setback due to the absence of its first witness.

INEC, which is the first respondent in the petition by the Labour Party and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was scheduled to open its defence today. The petitioners are challenging the emergence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 25 election.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to INEC, Abubakar Mahmoud, told the court that he planned to call three witnesses within three days, but the one slated for the day’s hearing was unavailable due to some domestic issues. He subsequently applied for an adjournment till Tuesday to enable the witness to attend court. Counsel to other parties did not object to the request by INEC’s counsel.

The Chairmen of the panel, Justice Haruna Tsammani, subsequently adjourned till 9 am on Tuesday for the hearing. INEC is also expected to open its defence at 2 pm in the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.q

Following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Hassan Abubakar has approved the redeployment of 98 officers of air rank. Prominent among the new appointees are Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Commandants of Tri-Service Establishments, and Nigerian Air Force (NAF) institutions, according to a statement by NAF spokesperson, AK Famuyiwa.

The newly appointed senior officers are expected to assume office not later than Monday, July 3, 2023. The newly reappointed senior officers comprise 52 AVMs and 46 Air Commodores (Air Cdres), among whom are the former Commandant Air Force War College (AWC), AVM Abraham Adole now the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans (CDPP) at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ); while AVM Nkem Aguiyi takes over as the Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation (CDTI) at the DHQ; and AVM Ahmed Shinkafi becomes the Chief of Defence Space Administration (CDSA).

At the NAF Headquarters (HQ NAF), former Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command (AOC GTC), AVM Sayo Olatunde is now the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP); AVM Ibikunle Daramola remains the Chief of Communications Information Systems (CCIS); AVM Pius Oahimire appointed the Chief of Aircraft Engineering (CAcE), HQ NAF; while AVM Uchechi Nwagwu takes over as the Chief of Accounts and Budget (CAB). Others include former AOC Special Operations Command (SOC) Bauchi, AVM Abubakar Abdulkadir now the Chief of Training and Operations (CTOP); AVM Dominic Danat as the Chief of Logistics (CLOG); AVM Ahmed Bakari as Air Secretary; AVM Michael Onyebashi as Chief of Standards and Evaluation (COSE), HQ NAF; AVM Idi Sani as Chief of Administration (COA); AVM Anthony Ekpe retains his appointment as the Chief of Medical Services (CMS); while Air Cdre Friday Ogohi is now the Chief of Air Intelligence (CAI), HQ NAF.

The newly appointed commandants include AVM Adeniyi Amesinlola who now heads the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (AFRC), Oshodi; AVM Hassan Alhaji takes charge of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji; AVM Sani Rabe heads the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna; AVM Adebayo Kehinde takes over command of the Air Force War College, Makurdi; while AVM Esen Efanga is Commandant Air Warfare Centre, Abuja.

Also affected by the latest redeployments are AVM Francis Edosa appointed the AOC Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Makurdi; AVM Tajudeen Yusuf as AOC Mobility Command (AOC MC), Yenagoa; AVM Eneobong Effiom as AOC SOC, Bauchi; AVM Nnamdi Ananaba as AOC Air Training Command (AOC ATC), Kaduna; AVM Usman Abdullahi as AOC GTC, Enugu; and AVM Abubakar Abdullahi as AOC Logistics Command (AOC LC).